Kennedy Road attack: ANC and police in the spotlight

The Natal Witness

30 Sep 2009
Witness Reporter

THE violence linked to tribalism between the Mpondos from the Eastern Cape and Zulus in Kennedy Road informal settlement in Durban has been widely condemned, even abroad.

However, speculation exists that the violence is linked to political intolerance, and police ineptitude has been blamed for not stopping the attacks.

The signatures of more than 100 academics, professionals, students, activists, members of civil society organisations, and authors based in South Africa and abroad, have been collected expressing condemnation for the violent attacks.

According to Abahlali baseMjondolo, the attacks started after a group of men, allegedly carrying weapons, attacked a youth camp saying that “Kennedy is for Zulus, not Mpondos”. Abahlali baseMjondolo said that the attacks led to several deaths, shacks being burnt and many people fleeing and hiding in the bush.

Bishop Rubin Philip, who conducted some ecumenical work in the informal settlement, also raised concerns.

“There are credible claims that this militia has acted with the support of the local ANC structures.

“This also is cause for the most profound concern. Once again there is just cause for deep concern about the role of the police,” said Philip, who extended condolences to the families of those who died in the violent attacks.